The Grove

Yesterday, my friend and coworker, Laura, flew to from Austin to SF to spend a week here at this facility to meet a bunch on onsite managers. Trust me when I tell you that after work she desperately needed a keg beer. Our commute from Redwood Shores (where we work) to San Francisco was cut in a third since I wasn't on the bus, so we made is there with plenty of daylight left (first day back to work since the time change and I'm obsessed - other than having to wake up in pitch black darkness).

When she asked where a good place to grab a few drinks was, I honestly didn't know what to say. Since moving here, it's been dark when I finally get home which kind of kills the fun of exploring the city. On the weekends, I usually stay around Castro or The Mission. I was like, "Okay this is ridiculous. I'm finding us somewhere to go". After doing a little research and consulting with friends, I decided on The Grove, located in Lower Pacific Heights. I had actually been here before my first weekend in the city, but I had completely forgotten about it.

Patio seating, beer on tap, good food, unique decor. Sold.

80's/Taco Bell Collab

Recently, I've been watching a lot of YouTubers' videos and doing a little research because I'm THINKING about taking TMN and myself to the YouTubes. Of all the all the videos I've been watching, my favorites tend to be collabs, when one YouTuber is featured on another's channel. One of my friends is a big YouTube personality and he knows a thing or two about collaborations. Maybe that's why he came up with the idea of crashing my boyfriend, Korey's 80's themed birthday party and essentially turning it into a collaboration with Taco Bell.

Let me explain - on Twitter, they both tweet at Taco Bell and vice versa. As a surprise (and it was a HUGE surprise) our friend got corporate media people from Taco Bell surprise us all and walked in with what seemed like two million hundred tacos to cater the 40 something people there.

Party: Success

Homeless

...and for once I'm not talking about me.

Y'all, there are so many homeless people in this city! I was shocked. I get that it sucks and I certainly wouldn't wish it on anyone (and this is NOT a get-your-life-together bitch session). I only bring it up because as I'm walking to the EA shuttle in the mornings, I probably pass by 5 to 10 homeless people on sidewalks, on nooks like this, and especially in Delores Park. Geeze - it makes me appreciate my tiny room. It may be small, but at least it's more than a sleeping bag!

Puppy Love

Recently, I've really been missing my two great danes, Duke (blue) and Cooper (fawn) more than usual. When I sold my house and eventually moved to NYC, I had no other option than to find them a home. Easily it was the hardest thing that I've been through - I loved those dogs more than words can explain. Now in SF, it seems like everyone I see is accompanied by a furry friend. Before I was a dog owner, I didn't get it, but if you do/did have a dog then you can totally relate when I say that there is no companionship like that of a loyal pup. In terms of both my living situation (such a small apartment) and how much time I'm away, there's absolutely no way I could get another dog now. So until then, I'll smile and watch all the dogs and their owners at Delores Park on weekends and keep reminding myself that one day, I'll be one of them again.

The picture directly above is me with Rugby, one of my SF friend's dog. SO SWEET!

The Color Run

Busted clown tranny. This is really the best way that I can describe how we, Team Jock (and all others who participated in the color run) looked by the time we got to the finish line. It was so much fun, and if you've never participated, I couldn't recommend it more. Long story short, you go wearing all white. Everyone gets a packet full of colored powder which everyone throws in the air at the end of the race making a rainbow cloud covering all participants. That's after you run through the colored checkpoints where race volunteers throw the corresponding color on all the runners passing through.

So imagine me looking like this and of course not changing as I ran my errands. Friends know that I'm not one to change out of my running shorts (with 1/2 inch inseams) or pants (aka tights) after running before heading to to do whatever-I'm-doing around town. Before heading to the bars to meet the rest of Team Jock for a few beers, I had to stop by the post office to ship a few boxes. The bus driver that got me there, all passengers, everyone I passed in the streets, and everyone in the post office was thinking (and some saying) OMG WTF. It's one thing to be in a group looking like this. People ten to assume its for something. Alone, people tend to a) stare b) cover their children's eyes and run c) hand me some change saying, "Don't worry. It gets better".

Bird

I took this picture last weekend when enjoying an ice cream cone with a few friends (we each had our own - we didn't all enjoy one cone) while waiting for a movie to start downtown. This cute little bird hopped over to us on one leg and just stood there for a good five minutes. I love the rose that the bird's shadow creates. Simple bird, simple picture, simple post. What? It's Tuesday, y'all.

Chinese New Year

This weekend, my SF friends and I celebrated Chinese New Year by heading down to Chinatown for a bar crawl, drinking Tsingtaos, and mai tais. I loved it - it was fun to get out of the Castro and do something different that I wouldn't be able to do in most cities. The weather was great and it was one of those afternoons where spirits were high and everyone was in a great mood. Also, it didn't hurt that the evening ended in Chipotle...and KFC...and Taco Bell. #nojoke 

Oyster

OMG are you dying?

This weekend, my friend, Kat (who I haven't seen in forever) and I went for an afternoon date to Hog Island Oyster Co. located right on the San Francisco Bay. We enjoyed a dozen delicious oysters paired with two glasses of Rose and a bowl of the best clam chowder I've ever had. The cool overcast skies over the bay was a perfect backdrop for our afternoon outing leading me to further conclude that I love all things San Francisco

Valentine

Happy Valentine's Day, friends!

Walking past Urban Flowers on the way to the EA Shuttle, I couldn't help but stop and take a few pictures of all the beautiful roses that were on display. Even at 8am, the shop was buzzing with (mostly gays) picking out over-priced arrangements for their special someone. Since then, I've been in the best mood. I have friends coming in from NYC so I took off of work tomorrow (making today my Friday), I'm almost completely caught up with all work projects, and I get to see MY valentine tonight.

Cheers!

City with a View

I'm not going to write much for this post because I think that the pictures say enough. Let me leave it at this: I never thought I'd live somewhere as beautiful as San Francisco and I feel very blessed that I do.

#sunset
#sanfrancisco
#view
#love

Wine Country

This past weekend, I joined a group of about 20 friends to Sonoma to go wine tasting for our friend, Will's birthday. For obvious reasons, it was one of my top two favorite weekends here. We all met at Will's at 9am for a some mimosas and a light breakfast of scones and croissants before we all piled into a party bus where the drinking of mimosas continued. Not to be trashy, but I was kind of drunk by the time I got there...as in 11am. With the tasting of wines keeping my hearty buzz going, I enjoyed the perfect weather, stunning views, and some great company.

All in all - perfect Saturday afternoon.

Bacon, Gruyere, and Tomato Soup #datenight

So I'm seeing this funny, cute, tall guy from Michigan and last night he cooked for me...mmm...the best meal ever.

I mention he's form Michigan because that leads to conversations about cold weather which obviously lead to food (specifically warm tomato soup and grilled cheese - the perfect meal for a chilly night). Fortunately for me, SF happens to have a plethora of those said nights and last night my dreams came true. So like the awesome guy he is, he prepared (all homemade):

- Creamy tomato soup topped with:
   - Sourdough croutons brushed with olive oil, rosemary, garlic, salt, and pepper (I think that was it?).
- Grilled cheese sandwiches complete with cripy bacon sandwiched between two layers of Gruyere
- Salad with a dressing similar to this one

#foodporn #bestmealever

SF Dinner

OMG YUM. Like - the best.

Last night, SFs, Pryor, MJB, and I decided to have a night where we stayed in, prepared a home-cooked meal, relaxed, and watched some Girls (awkward writing that). We each contributed to the meal: Adam was in charge of the soup (Curry Dahl - died for it), Brandner took over the greens (brussel sprouts - lived for them), and I took care of the chicken. With so much living and dying, I'll just say it was good. Also, Matt's roommate, Russell, joined us and he contributed several bottles of the wine. We had such a good time listening to music, two stepping (still have no idea why), and just enjoying good company. Such a good night.

Chicken:
- Seasoned with garlic powder, salt, pepper, fresh chopped rosemary, Mrs. Dash seasoning

Brussel Sprouts:
- Baked with: ample rosemary, EVOO, salt, pepper
- Roasted (to perfection) for 40 minutes

Curry Dahl:
- Red lentils, stewed tomatoes, garlic, chopped onions and celery, salt, chicken broth
- garnished with greek yogurt and cilantro

Super Bowl Sunday/Jeri's Birthday

#1: Happy Birthday yesterday to my beautiful, wonderful, loving, and caring mom, Jeri. I love you more than words can explain!

#2: So I'm a little annoyed with myself for not taking more pictures from the Beyonce concert Super Bowl yesterday. A bunch of friends and I went to our friend, Sarah's who basically has to most ridiculous three story SF apartment with a view that I would literally (probably) kill for. We had a great time watching the game, eating, drinking, and enjoying the beautiful afternoon. As I predicted, Beyonce won the Super Bowl (no surprise there) but I did think it was a little rude for NOLA to turn the lights out as soon as she left. I mean...just saying.

Oh - the flowers. Kat picked these up to bring to Sarah,  the host of the party, as a thank you for having her. What a great idea, right??